Your elderly mother has just had a fall. She’s out of hospital but needs daily checks and care while she recovers at home. It’s easier to have her come and live at your place.

Your adult child has developed schizophrenia and needs supervision with medication and support to live independently.

Your partner has just been diagnosed with a terminal illness and needs emotional support, help at home and to go out.

Your father has had an accident and now uses a wheelchair. He gets depressed easily and you have to make sure your brothers and sisters get to school and have something to eat when he’s not able to cope.

Respite care is when someone else looks after the person you care for so you can take a break. Professional respite service providers and trained volunteers provide this care. Many working carers see their job as a form of respite, and while it is not the same as a formal respite service, workdoes give a break from caring. Working carers are able to access a small number of respite services to help cope with the demands of juggling work and care. This Fact Sheet outlines respite care services, eligibility, costs and tips to help make taking respite easier.

In case you, a family member or friend are confronted with a crisis situation or need general support or counselling during holiday periods, the following is a list of services in New South Wales which will be available to you. All services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week unless noted otherwise.